Massa Estate
About
Massa Estate wines are produced from 100% certified organically grown grapes and are bottled at its Carmel Valley, California winery. Organic growing practices, in addition to dry farming, have created a natural environment for the production of premium and award winning wines that have received worldwide recognition.
Location Description
Nestled in the sunshine-bathed amber hills above the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley.
Features
- “Wines That Dance On Your Palate!”
Additional Information
- Meeting / Conference Facilities:
- Caves:
- Wedding Facilities:
- Picnic Facilities:
- Dog Friendly:
- Winery Tours:
- Wine Tasting:
- Art or Architecture:
- Organic / Biodynamic:
- Awards:
- Wine Club:
- Lodging / Bed & Breakfast:
Average Bottle Price
$ 40
Practices & Techniques
Certified organic since 1996, Heller Estate has been a pioneer of organic grape growing in the Carmel Valley Appellation. The organic practices of cover cropping, composting, and water conservation drive the superior grape quality and signature Heller Estate wines.
Heller Estate is dedicated to growing each and every varietal with respect for the soil, water and air and is proud of the minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Rather than employing chemical sprays, Heller Estate releases predatory wasps in the vineyards to keep the undesirable insect population low. These tiny wasps (not the human-biting species) attack the eggs of the leaf-hoppers, which are destructive to grapes. To provide a home in the vineyards for these natural predators, French plum trees have been planted around the property in which the wasps flourish. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs are also released to prey upon other destructive vine-damaging mites, creating an eco-balance in the vineyards.
All the grapes on Heller Estate are grown in a chemical free manner. In order to receive official organic certification for its grapes, Heller Estate adheres to strict organic farming methods.
PEST MANAGEMENT CONTROL – No pesticides or unapproved organic chemicals are used for insect control. Lady bugs are released to assist in keeping the vine viable. Barn owl boxes are placed in the vineyard to attract raptors to help control gophers.
SOIL MANAGEMENT – No herbicides are employed, and the desired results are accomplished by using the organic matter left following the crushing and pressing of grapes. This compost is then spread in the middle of the vineyard rows creating healthy, organic vineyard soil.
WEED MANAGEMENT – Weeds are controlled by planting cover crops, which also provide an effective habitat for other beneficial insects, such as vineyard spiders.
The mission of Heller Estate is to produce wines from organically grown grapes without the use of pesticides and herbicides while maintaining a healthy ecology and environment.
Heller Estate is dedicated to growing each and every varietal with respect for the soil, water and air and is proud of the minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Rather than employing chemical sprays, Heller Estate releases predatory wasps in the vineyards to keep the undesirable insect population low. These tiny wasps (not the human-biting species) attack the eggs of the leaf-hoppers, which are destructive to grapes. To provide a home in the vineyards for these natural predators, French plum trees have been planted around the property in which the wasps flourish. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs are also released to prey upon other destructive vine-damaging mites, creating an eco-balance in the vineyards.
All the grapes on Heller Estate are grown in a chemical free manner. In order to receive official organic certification for its grapes, Heller Estate adheres to strict organic farming methods.
PEST MANAGEMENT CONTROL – No pesticides or unapproved organic chemicals are used for insect control. Lady bugs are released to assist in keeping the vine viable. Barn owl boxes are placed in the vineyard to attract raptors to help control gophers.
SOIL MANAGEMENT – No herbicides are employed, and the desired results are accomplished by using the organic matter left following the crushing and pressing of grapes. This compost is then spread in the middle of the vineyard rows creating healthy, organic vineyard soil.
WEED MANAGEMENT – Weeds are controlled by planting cover crops, which also provide an effective habitat for other beneficial insects, such as vineyard spiders.
The mission of Heller Estate is to produce wines from organically grown grapes without the use of pesticides and herbicides while maintaining a healthy ecology and environment.
Estate Vineyards / AVA
Overlooking the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley, (“Cachagua” is believed to be an Indian derivative of the French “cacher” and the Spanish “agua” – “hidden waters”), and framed by the dramatic surrounding hills, lie the beautiful vineyards of Massa Estate, formerly Heller Estate. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Petit Verdot at an altitude of 1200 – 1500 feet.
10974524_829378833801871_2416530828535876038_o
The vineyards are essentially dry-farmed. The roots of the vines descend deep in the loamy, sandy soil in search of the underground “Cachagua” springs. These stressed vines produce outstanding luscious fruit, which are then skillfully crafted into the extraordinary wines. The Cabernets have been described by wine reviewers as “super-rich, with lots of tannin and explosively long finishes”. In addition, the great variation in daily temperatures at the vineyard (which are sometimes 40 degrees in a twenty four hour period) helps to produce these exceptional age-worthy and full-bodied wines.
The vineyards have been certified 100% organic since 1996. Neither herbicides nor pesticides are used in the production of the grapes. This certification was granted after three vintages of clean farming although organic practices have been in place since the original plantings in 1968. The winery itself was certified organic in 2012.
In 1982 the Carmel Valley Appellation was approved by the authorities. Heller Estate was a pioneer in developing the viticulture in the area.
Sculpture gardens have been added to the vineyard property and at the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. The sculptures were created by Toby Heller; an internationally known sculptor of large works. Her piece “The Dancers”, a fifteen-foot high, bronze sculpture overlooking the vineyards, inspired the Heller Estate motto “Dances on Your Palate” as well as the design for the labels.
10974524_829378833801871_2416530828535876038_o
The vineyards are essentially dry-farmed. The roots of the vines descend deep in the loamy, sandy soil in search of the underground “Cachagua” springs. These stressed vines produce outstanding luscious fruit, which are then skillfully crafted into the extraordinary wines. The Cabernets have been described by wine reviewers as “super-rich, with lots of tannin and explosively long finishes”. In addition, the great variation in daily temperatures at the vineyard (which are sometimes 40 degrees in a twenty four hour period) helps to produce these exceptional age-worthy and full-bodied wines.
The vineyards have been certified 100% organic since 1996. Neither herbicides nor pesticides are used in the production of the grapes. This certification was granted after three vintages of clean farming although organic practices have been in place since the original plantings in 1968. The winery itself was certified organic in 2012.
In 1982 the Carmel Valley Appellation was approved by the authorities. Heller Estate was a pioneer in developing the viticulture in the area.
Sculpture gardens have been added to the vineyard property and at the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. The sculptures were created by Toby Heller; an internationally known sculptor of large works. Her piece “The Dancers”, a fifteen-foot high, bronze sculpture overlooking the vineyards, inspired the Heller Estate motto “Dances on Your Palate” as well as the design for the labels.
